Kohl's Kenner store could open in 2013

Kohl's Department store is still expected to build a store in a north Kenner shopping center, but it likely won't happen until 2013, city officials said. "They still want to build in the area," said Kenner City Councilwoman Maria DeFrancesch, who represents the area where the store would be located.

Associated PressKohl's is expected open a store in a Kenner shopping center in 2013.

The retailer had planned to build a large number of new stores to open this fall, which would have included the Kenner store, but has decided instead to build and open the new stores in phases, DeFrancesch said.

The new opening date for the Kenner store is fall 2013, said Mike Quigley, Kenner's chief administrative officer. He said Mayor Mike Yenni has talked with Kohl's officials. "There's no indication they're not coming (though) it's not as soon as perhaps we'd like," Quigley said.

The Kenner City Council last year approved a redevelopment plan for the shopping center and tax incentives to lure Kohl's to Chateau Village, 3501 Chateau Blvd.

DeFrancesch said the Kenner store would be "a prime location," drawing shoppers from all over Jefferson, Orleans and the River Parishes. Kohl's now has stores open in Covington and Baton Rouge.

"We're going to make sure we stay on top of this," DeFrancesch said.

A Kohl's spokeswoman said the company has not announced plans to open a store in Kenner and does not comment on real estate speculation.

Kenner City Council members discussed the store's new open date at a recent council meeting, and Councilwoman-at-Large Jeannie Black emphasized that Kenner residents are looking forward to opening day. "I think it's something the people of Kenner want to see."